Mitha Pitha

What is Mitha Pitha? How is Mitha Pitha made in Jharkhand?

Mitha Pitha in Jharkhand is a traditional sweet treat enjoyed especially during festivals like Makar Sankranti, Diwali, and Teej.

This version of Mitha Pitha, like others in India, involves the use of simple, local ingredients like rice flour, jaggery, and sometimes sesame or coconut.

Jharkhand’s Mitha Pitha is often deep-fried or steamed and is celebrated for its soft, chewy texture and sweet, earthy flavours.

Key Features of Mitha Pitha in Jharkhand:

1. Ingredients:
   • Rice Flour: The base ingredient for the dough.
   • Jaggery (Gur): Sweetener for filling, often used in its natural form for a richer flavour.
   • Coconut: Sometimes used in fillings or garnishing.
   • Sesame Seeds: Common in some variations for added texture and flavour.
   • Mustard Oil or Ghee: For frying, which adds an aromatic depth to the dish.
2. Common Varieties:
   • Til Pitha: This version includes a stuffing of jaggery and sesame seeds. It’s typically fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
   • Kakra Pitha: A steamed variety made with rice flour and filled with a mixture of jaggery and grated coconut. It’s soft and sweet, perfect for festivals.
   • Chakuli Pitha: In some cases, Chakuli Pitha can be a sweetened variation, where rice flour is combined with jaggery and fried into a round shape, similar to a pancake.
3. Preparation:
   • Dough: The rice flour is mixed with water to form a smooth dough.
   • Stuffing: Jaggery is melted, and sometimes combined with grated coconut or sesame, to form a sweet filling.
   • Shaping and Cooking: The dough is shaped into small discs, stuffed with the jaggery filling, and either deep-fried or steamed.
4. Taste & Texture:
   • The sweetness from jaggery, the nutty flavour of sesame, and the rich coconut combine for a fragrant and satisfying treat.
   • The texture varies based on the cooking method: deep-fried pitha are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, while steamed ones are chewy and soft throughout.

Cultural Significance:

Makar Sankranti and Teej are particularly significant festivals in Jharkhand where Mitha Pitha is made in large quantities. It symbolizes the harvest season and is often shared among family and friends.